CSV’s Action Cardiff Education programme is a mentoring project aimed at primary school children (age 7 to 11) in Cardiff. Volunteer mentors are recruited to provide support for disadvantaged children in areas of Cardiff that have some of the greatest economic and social needs.

Volunteers are matched to a school depending on their skills, interests, experience and geographical location.

The volunteers are recruited from the community and come from all walks of life. No special qualifications are required – just a willingness to commit, some life experience and an interest in supporting children. Volunteers could be supporting one or more children in the school depending on the individual school’s requirements.

The work of the volunteer varies from school to school and can include supporting a child with work in the classroom, using games and activities to engage children in learning, and most importantly building a relationship based on trust and understanding.

The project aims to make a difference in five priority areas - attendance, reading age, communication, behaviour and confidence.  Last year more than one hundred children benefited from having a mentor and schools reported marked improvements in the confidence, behaviour and academic progress of those supported.

Comments from the children as to why they enjoy having mentors include:

“I find Maths easier now”
(Jordan, Windsor Clive Junior School)

“I feel better at my spellings and all that”
(Natasha, Trelai Primary School)

“I enjoy talking to Maria because she is funny”
(Jane, Hywell Dda Junior School).

ACE is funded by Cardiff Young People’s Partnership and is delivered by CSV Cymru in partnership with the Local Education Authority.

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering please contact:
Suzanne Lockwood
029 2041 5717
sllockwood@csv.org.uk